54 Problems - The Global Minigolf Podcast

20/06/2024

The comeback absolutely nobody asked for... 👀

06/12/2023

New Episode!!! 37. Guinness World Records Special - Richard Gottfried, Cole Hetzel, Greg Newport & Martyn Williams

Join us as we celebrate the Guinness Book of World Records' recognition of minigolf by talking with three holders of Records and one challenger.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7cDY6nPcmMKGYibxvp0YYi?si=2Qo76ob8SEGGqZLsGrlBEg
Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/37-guinness-world-records-special-richard-gottfried-cole-hetzel-greg-newport-martyn-williams/

22/09/2023

New Episode!!! 36. Simon & Andrew - Beside The Point

In a break from regular programming Simon & Andrew sit down to discuss the highs and lows of their respective seasons so far and reflect on the current state of minigolf.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Go14obDeGkctf41UndpRP?si=YXr78WNqS0eda1ESNAF2Hg
Web: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/simon-andrew-beside-the-point/

16/08/2023

New Episode!!! 35. 25 year anniversary of the first ever BMGA tournament - Peter Parr

Our first ever History of Minigolf episode kicks off by talking to the founder of the BMGA, Peter Parr.

We talk to Peter about what inspired him to create the BMGA and what the process looked like. We also discuss the first ever BMGA tournament on its 25th anniversary.

Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/35-25-year-anniversary-of-the-first-ever-bmga-tournament-peter-parr/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7xmlLRgsjqYunKvfPOE2aO?si=TQ0v0KPZQXO-9c96h1JNZQ

09/07/2023

City Golf Final

As a reminder today is the final day you can apply for a wildcard entry to the City Golf Tour final.

We understand they are particularly interested in fans of international minigolf, so perfect for 54 Problems fans!

Apply to the link below:

For players interested in getting a wild card to participate in the 2023 City Golf Tour Final in Askim (Gothenburg), Sweden, on September 9 - 10. Please fill in this short questionnaire and we will take your application into consideration.

05/07/2023

New Episode!!! 34. World Adventure Golf Masters 2023 - Champion’s Interview - Patrick Riener

To conclude our coverage of the World Adventure Golf Masters 2023 we talk to the ultimate champion of the tournament Patrick Riener.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0KiXWNkZFiqMDew5MZ11sN?si=3d101cbbe5134211
Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/34-world-adventure-golf-masters-2023-champion-s-interview-patrick-riener/

We discuss with Patrick what is takes to become WAGM champion and the feeling of being crowned champion. Plus Patrick gives us a look behind the scenes in to the process of making a bid to host the WAGM and course preparation.

29/06/2023

New Episode!!! 33. WAGM 2023 Debrief - James Shaw

On the 16th June 2023 national teams of Adventure Golf players from around the world met at Gumpoldskirchen, Austria for the World Adventure Golf Masters.

In this episode we talk to James Shaw, first time player for Team GB, to get his personal take on what is was like to represent his country and play at the WAGM for the first time.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7Ac0DXnqtQTI1Nb5PYIrck?si=_mU2UkfRS42RnNWYBMoh3g
Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/33-wagm-2023-debrief-james-shaw/

16/06/2023

New Episode!!! 32. World Crazy Golf Championship 2023 - 5 Top Stories + Winners’ Interviews

We wrap up our coverage of the World Crazy Golf Championship 2023 by sharing our 5 Top Stories from the tournament, talking to Adam Kelly and Murray Thompson (winners of the main and novice categories) and taking you behind the scenes of the recording of our live episode.

Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/32-world-crazy-golf-championship-2023-5-top-stories-winners-interviews/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/07va4eAezLWFiFvbt8B0uA?si=khHekcn3QjaCZ7VmPjZ3zw

To vote on this episode's Hot Topic, visit here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1167078617184394/posts/1380711212487799/

11/06/2023

The final hole of the World Crazy Golf Championships 2023 in Hastings! ⛳️

Well done to Adam Kelly on defending his title! 🔥

09/06/2023

New Episode!!! 31. World Crazy Golf Championship 2023

This is the big one! In what has become our favourite night of the year, we invite players of the World Crazy Golf Championship from all over the world to share what about the tournament makes it so special and any predictions they have for the weekend.

Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/31-world-crazy-golf-championship-2023/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2L2soB9K0SDlk6Q4KJVxJz?si=CGwbnyKxQzKcpQhVLMWNvg

Thank you to everyone who took part and make it such a fantastic experience!

13/05/2023

New Episode!!! 30. National Miniature Golf Day - A Couple Of Putts - Tom Loftus & Robin Schwartzman

Happy miniature golf day! Join us as we continue a tradition where we invite a guest on to the podcast to take us on a virtual minigolf roadtrip across six courses they have chosen themselves.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1bWZE6WILINGXbjMgGpTu6?si=O9A7MwuVTWW5wGBKX7zicg
Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/30-national-miniature-golf-day-a-couple-of-putts-tom-loftus-robin-schwartzman/

It's an incredible journey and one you will not want to miss. You can follow along with us by looking at the photos on this post and visiting the links.

As it is National Miniature Golf Day we would love to see social media posts relating to minigolf!

18/04/2023

New Episode!!! 29. Women in Minigolf - Special Episode - Vanette Block, Ruth Burke, Annelie Lundell

As part of 54 Problems ongoing commitment to celebrate the achievements of women and girls in the sport, today we present a very special episode. For the first time ever, you will not be hearing from co-hosts Simon and Andrew (which is actually the #1 most frequently received request we get). Instead we have given full control of the podcast over to three legends of the sport: Vanette Block, Ruth Burke and Annelie Lundell for a must-listen episode discussing Women in Minigolf:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2hRLMnf30i7MUlYzM6joD4?si=sziyRmIGS6uek5xeHTklDQ&dd=1

Web: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/women-in-minigolf-special-episode-vanette-block-ruth-burke-annelie-lundell/

In this conversation (which is equal parts laugh out loud funny, heartwarming, sincere and thought provoking) Vanette, Ruth and Annelie share a little about themselves and what minigolf looks like in their home countries, celebrate each other's achievements, discuss what it is like to be a woman in a sport dominated by men and share what they think can be done to improve engagement from women and girls.

12/03/2023

New Episode!!! 28. Minigolf Month - February 2023 - Gary Hester

Join us as we recap the Minigolf Month of February 2023 with the help from someone who had a seriously incredible month - USA Team Member - Gary Hester!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ps1gQ96RlCZ2SMux5Y4A7?si=8a891f2450154930
Web link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/28-minigolf-month-february-2023-gary-hester/

Among other things we discuss the Oceania Open, the Popstroke Tour Event at Fort Myers and the first ever World Putting League event.

Gary provides fascinating insight on what it was like to be at the very first event that had wagering options along with an incredible live streaming setup. We discuss how it feels to know that members of the public made money off your incredible performance!

To support the podcast please visit our page at www.patreon.com/FiftyFourProblems where, among other benefits, you can get access to the fan Discord and early episode drops.

27/02/2023

New Episode!!! 27. Player Spotlight - Marc Chapman

Join us as we shine our player spotlight on to three time World Crazy Golf Champion - Marc Chapman!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/60PqclwXCNwVCm8oxufgdc?si=RSMOPEpFTi2Aag-D6MaF2w
Web: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/27-player-spotlight-marc-chapman/

We hear from Marc what it takes to be one of the ultimate champions of the sport. Among many topics, we discuss practice schedules, career development and the mindset of a champion.

We also look at some of Marc's media work and the reasoning behind Marc attempting to build his own personal brand.

Finally, Marc takes on the famous Getting to Know You questions.

23/02/2023

New episode dropping Monday at 9am...🎙

Set your alarms for a classic as we speak to Marc Chapman and try to get into the real detail of what makes him a three time World Crazy Golf Champion. Among many topics, we discuss practice schedules, career development and how to be a big character in the miniest of sports. ⛳️

We also touch on Marc's work in the media. In keeping with that, it brings us great pleasure to exclusively premiere the trailer for his (frankly awesome looking) upcoming documentary "King Putt" (release date TBC). There's more than a few familiar faces on here so take a look: 🎥

https://vimeo.com/699052154/683e4505d5

12/02/2023

Competition Winner!!

Congratulations to Cindy Kukielka who, after successfully naming 5 members of our Christmas choir, won a Putt18 Mat. The mat has arrived and you can see Cindy below enjoying the game.

Big thanks to Glenn Palmer who generously provided the prize.

For our listeners, if you would like to get involved in Putt18, you can search Facebook for the group "Putt18 Player Events". In this group you can find details of various tournaments, plus information on how to get your own Putt18 Mat (sometimes there are very good offers so do watch the page).

And keep it tuned to 54 Problems for more opportunities to win fantastic prizes throughout the year!

02/02/2023

New Episode!!! 26. Minigolf Month - January 2023 - Swedish Putting Team

Join us and the Swedish Putting Team as we recap the Minigolf Month of January: There's a lot to talk about - AMA's first 2023 tournament, the Monza Night Marathon and the first Popstroke Tour Series event.

Web Link: https://fiftyfourproblems.podbean.com/e/26-minigolf-month-january-2023-swedish-putting-team/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4RhtbQt4Cs4JJp7HFEWa5S?si=4XHPmHmdTYaaHAnk4olu_g&utm_source=copy-link
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/54-problems/id1626366140

Join us as we recap the Minigolf Month of January 2023 and look ahead to February. We are thrilled to be joined by the Swedish Putting Team (at least 66% of them): Kevin Sundström, Alexander Malina, Gunnar Bengtsson and Hans Olofsson.

We discuss the AMA's first tournament of 2023 - a Putt 18 contest that could be played from anywhere in the World.

Also joining us for a phone interview are Simone Colombo and Alberto Martinelli, two first time players of the Monza Night Marathon, along with their coach Alberto Pirovano and the player manager Fabio Agostoni. We hear from them what preparation for the Monza Night Marathon looks like.

Finally we discuss the first ever Popstroke Tour Series tournament (that was held in Orlando) with the Swedish Putting Team (who dominated the field). We discuss what it was like to play in a $5,000 entry high roller event and what their hopes for Popstroke are for the future.

For more information about Minigolf and to contact the podcast you can find us on Facebook "54 Problems" and email [email protected].